Dr. Karen Anne Holdren – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Karen Anne Holdren is a Dentist. Practicing at Canadian Forces Base in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Holdren is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Holdren is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Holdren provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Holdren serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Canadian Forces Base.

Dr. Karen Anne Holdren earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2012. With over 13 years of practice since 2012, Dr. Holdren's experience has provided a strong foundation for their comprehensive approach to dental care. Dr. Holdren is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Holdren's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Holdren provides consultations in English.

Dr. Karen Anne Holdren provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Holdren. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Low-radiation digital radiographs to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone levels, view tooth roots, and identify other hidden dental issues.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Providing guidance on how dietary choices impact oral health, including advice on reducing sugary food/drink intake and promoting tooth-friendly nutrition.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Holdren. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Karen Anne Holdren adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Canadian Forces Base, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Holdren frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Holdren and the dental team. The clear aim is always having a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their smile during athletic activities, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying easily maintaining their daily oral hygiene routine without experiencing bleeding or pain and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• If their child having a pronounced fear of needles or injections at the dental office, requiring a very patient approach has unfortunately put their child participating happily in school photos and social activities on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Holdren works closely with patients towards attaining a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a persistent white patch (leukoplakia) or red patch (erythroplakia) in their mouth or on their tongue that wouldn't go away and needed urgent assessment, Dr. Holdren offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of their child showing pride in their healthy smile and good brushing habits.
• When concerns about how their bite felt when they chewed, or if their teeth were meeting correctly begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Holdren helps patients strive for feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This makes participating in activities such as maintaining a professional appearance that boosts their career prospects a pleasant and possible experience again.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Holdren, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Holdren is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Dr. Holdren's practice at Canadian Forces Base is situated in the Federal Government Buildings (Parliamentary Precinct, Tunney's Pasture) neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Carleton University and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Holdren at Canadian Forces Base?

Your first visit with Dr. Holdren will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Holdren will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP typically do not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to check your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Holdren?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Canadian Forces Base directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Holdren.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Holdren for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Holdren will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors (for cavities or gum disease), and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while others might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It's essential to follow Dr. Holdren's specific recommendations.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays that use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are also used. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan treatments). Dr. Holdren will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Canadian Forces Base
NDHQ/DGDS
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2

Phone: (613) 992-2564

Dr. Karen Anne Holdren is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 92203

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=92203

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Holdren and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.